Celebrating Tomorrow's Engineers Week with Diamond Hard Surfaces
We spoke with George Wood, apprentice at Diamond Hard Surfaces, about his journey into engineering. Read on as he shares what inspired him to pursue a career in engineering, what a typical day looks like, what exciting innovations he is currently working on, and more!
How did you become an apprentice at Diamond Hard Surfaces?
I was looking at apprenticeships around my area, but nothing came to my liking, that was until I came across Diamond Hard Surfaces in a college meeting. I read the job description and wasted no time contacting them, I received a fast response and had a successful interview.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
I originally wanted to become a motorsports journalist, but I received a great work experience opportunity to spend a week in Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s car build department for my 2 years ago. Once I completed my week, I found that I really enjoyed working in an engineering environment and that sparked my interest in engineering.
What does a typical day look like as an apprentice engineer?
I start by doing my daily checks on stock levels and getting my equipment ready such as putting on my PPE and topping up the chemicals. I then attend the morning meeting where the production schedule and priorities are discussed and decided. This sets out my workload for the day ahead, which typically will involve preparing parts and consumables for the coating process.
What technologies or innovations are you working on that excite you?
Everything I work on is interesting in its own way, but some parts are especially exciting such as working with aerospace, motorsport and defense companies.
What do international days and campaigns such as National Engineering Day and Tomorrow’s Engineers Week mean to you?
I think that they highlight the industry and shows how important it is. We rely on engineering for a lot of things associated with everyday life. Without it, many things would be different such as communication and transportation. That is why it is so important in the modern world.
What do you enjoy most about working in West Northants?
The best part is that I am in the heart of the county which is surrounded by things I am passionate about, for example motorsport. This puts me in a good position for career growth as there are many engineering workplaces around the county!
How does the region support young professionals and apprentices like yourself?
Being an apprentice in West Northants means I receive good support from my colleagues as they train me on new processes frequently. I also have an assessor come to my workplace to check how I am getting on at work and college. Through my workplace I will have further exposure to things the region has to offer, such as being part of the Silverstone Technology Cluster which will provide me with further career development.
Why do you think engineering is important to our future?
Without engineering, the world would be a completely different place as we wouldn’t have the likes of AI, computerized technology, healthcare and a lot more. Engineering is a very important factor in the world we live in today, any future advancements will require engineering which is why I’m so excited to be starting my career in the sector.
